15 Celebs Every 90’s Girl Looked Up To

Flashback to a time of iconic TV and film moments: the ’90s was an era defined by trailblazing women who set a standard for style, talent, and empowerment. From sitcom queens and pop sensations to big-screen legends, these celebrities influenced everything from fashion trends to pop culture obsessions.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore charmed audiences as a child star and later cemented her fame with unforgettable roles and a distinctive, relatable sense of humor. Barrymore’s authenticity and resilience inspired an entire generation to embrace their quirks and dreams. In 2025, she took home her first competitive Emmy for hosting her syndicated daytime talk show.

Tiffani Thiessen

Tiffani Thiessen became the ultimate ’90s teen idol thanks to her roles on classic series like Saved by the Bell and Beverly Hills, 90210. Today, she’s still winning fans with her warmth, talent, and versatility in both acting and lifestyle ventures.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston ruled television screens and set salon trends everywhere with her iconic roles and enviable hair. Her Emmy-winning portrayal of Rachel Green on Friends helped define the modern woman — funny, loyal, and ambitious — while leaving a lasting impact on pop culture. Her continued success across film and television exemplifies timeless star power.

Cameron Diaz

From romantic comedies to action hits, Cameron Diaz made every character her own, all while sporting her megawatt smile. Her career-defining turn came as the title character in 1998’s raunchy hit comedy There’s Something About Mary, about a high-school crush gone hilariously wrong.

Britney Spears

Britney Spears became a pop culture phenomenon with her electrifying performances and undeniable talent. Her debut single and album, …Baby One More Time, simultaneously claimed the top spot on the charts in early 1999, kicking off a string of chart-topping releases, as reported by Billboard. Her impact on music, fashion, and dance routines was so influential that fans around the world wanted to emulate her every move.

Candace Cameron Bure

Candace Cameron Bure embodies wholesome charm, first endearing audiences as an unforgettable sitcom big sister on Full House. Beyond reprising her sitcom role for a Netflix sequel, Fuller House, she has starred in dozens of holiday films, including The Heart Of Christmas – and Christmas Under Wraps, which became the most-watched telecast in its network’s history, per Great American Media. Off-screen, she has become a motivational figure in entertainment and faith communities.

Alicia Silverstone

Alicia Silverstone captured the zeitgeist with her iconic performance in Clueless, turning Cher Horowitz into a fashion and pop culture legend. Long after her breakout film role, she has remained one of Hollywood’s most outspoken advocates for animal rights and eco-conscious living.

Liv Tyler

Liv Tyler‘s ethereal beauty and talent made her a standout in films ranging from cult classics to epic blockbusters. Her turn in 1998’s disaster blockbuster Armageddon helped pave the way for her to later land the role of Arwen in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker redefined fashion and wit with her portrayal of one of TV’s most beloved style icons. She has revealed that it was her husband who urged her to take a chance on the then-unproven HBO series that would become Sex and the City, per W Magazine. Parker’s creative impact is still felt profoundly on red carpets and in the hearts of fans everywhere.

Melissa Joan Hart

Melissa Joan Hart brought magic and laughs to the screen, enchanting young audiences as a teen witch and plucky leading lady. Her first claim to fame was the first female lead on Nickelodeon’s Clarissa Explains It All, before she was cast in her witchy role, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, on ABC, according to E! News. Hart’s influence endures in the nostalgia of fans and budding actresses alike.

Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes resonated with audiences as the loyal, clever girl who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She nearly missed out on her star-making part, since the show’s creator had originally envisioned another actress for the role of Joey Potter on Dawson’s Creek, per Biography. Off-screen, Holmes continues to inspire with her creative pursuits and advocacy work.

Jennie Garth

Jennie Garth was a central figure in one of TV’s most iconic dramas, Beverly Hills, 90210, captivating viewers with her depth and grace. She has admitted she barely understood the scale of the project when she signed on for the decade-long series that turned her into a household name, as reported by ABC News.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Jennifer Love Hewitt thrilled audiences with her talent in both television and film, quickly becoming a beloved staple of suspense thrillers and romantic comedies alike. Her singing and writing talents rounded out her triple-threat status. Hewitt’s genuine spirit and versatility continue to inspire many who grew up watching her rise within the horror franchise that first made her a star, I Know What You Did Last Summer, according to Variety.

Claire Danes

Claire Danes brought a fresh, emotional honesty to her performances, becoming a voice for young women navigating real-life challenges. Her breakout performance as a searching teenager on My So-Called Life brought her a Golden Globe win and an Emmy nomination, even though the series itself only lasted a single season.

Rachael Leigh Cook

Rachael Leigh Cook charmed a generation with her relatable roles and girl-next-door appeal. Casting for her signature role in She’s All That was reportedly a lengthy search that considered several other young actresses before Cook ultimately landed the part, as reported by E! News.

This story 15 Celebs Every 90’s Girl Looked Up To first appeared on First For Women. Follow First For Women on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.